Symptom family: Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms
Skin lesions, also referred to as cutaneous lesions or red skin lesions, are abnormal changes in the skin's appearance or texture. These alterations can manifest as rashes, bumps, discolorations, or other anomalies on the skin's surface. Skin lesions can result from various underlying causes, ranging from infections and allergic reactions to more complex medical conditions.
In Western medicine, skin lesions are typically categorized based on their appearance and characteristics, such as shape, color, size, and texture. They can be benign or malignant, with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and skin cancer falling within this broad category. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions are crucial to determine the appropriate medical intervention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on skin lesions, considering them as external manifestations of internal disharmony. Unlike Western medicine's focus on the superficial aspects of the skin condition, TCM recognizes that skin lesions can be caused by various underlying patterns of disharmony within the body. Thus, TCM practitioners emphasize the importance of identifying the specific pattern of imbalance before prescribing treatments.
In TCM, the key to effectively addressing skin lesions lies in understanding the root causes and patterns behind them. Rather than simply treating the symptoms, TCM aims to rebalance the body's internal systems to resolve skin issues at their source.
TCM identifies several patterns of disharmony that can lead to skin lesions. For example, Damp-Heat dermatological disorder is characterized by the accumulation of excess Heat and Dampness in the body, often leading to skin inflammation, redness, and itching.
Liver Yang Rising, on the other hand, involves an imbalance in the Liver system, which can result in skin problems like hives, rashes, or even pustules.
It's important to note that TCM recognizes a wide range of patterns that can contribute to skin lesions, and individual cases may require a customized approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) relies on a diverse range of herbs to effectively address skin lesions. The choice of herbs is contingent upon the specific pattern of disharmony diagnosed in the patient. For instance, in cases where there is a need to clear Heat and purge Fire, or to alleviate Summer Heat, TCM practitioners often turn to herbs like Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang). This Bitter and Cold herb, which primarily targets the Large intestine, Liver, and Lung, is known for its efficacy in reducing inflammation and cooling excessive Heat within the body.
On the other hand, when the underlying issue involves the dispelling of Wind and Dampness, Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi) come into play. These herbs, characterized by their Bitter, Pungent, and Neutral properties, primarily target the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver. They are frequently employed in cases of Damp-Wind and Painful Obstruction Syndrome, which can manifest as skin lesions accompanied by discomfort or pain. In TCM, the selection of herbs and herbal formulas is a highly individualized process, necessitating consultation with a qualified practitioner who can tailor recommendations based on a thorough assessment of the patient's unique condition and pattern of disharmony.
See more details below about Xiao Feng San, a herbal formula used to address skin lesions.
Skin lesions can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Xiao Feng San, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address skin lesions, organized by herb category.
Skin lesions can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin lesions, like Xiao Feng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Xiao Feng San |
Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Xiao Feng San |
Skin lesions can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Greater Burdock Fruits (Niu Bang Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin lesions, like Xiao Feng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Greater Burdock Fruits (Niu Bang Zi) | Xiao Feng San |
Cicada Sloughs (Chan Tui) | Xiao Feng San |
Skin lesions can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), which is directly recommended for skin lesions.
Skin lesions can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), which is directly recommended for skin lesions.